Shingo Suzuki, bassist of Ovall, has launched his solo project “Shingo Suzuki L.Y.P.S.” and released the first single, “You don’t know (what life is) feat. The first single, “You don’t know (what life is) feat.
The project is “L.Y.P.S (Liquid Yellow Portraits)” and brings together artists who resonate with Shingo Suzuki’s music on a song-by-song basis. The first single released this time features up-and-coming drummer Masato Mamoru, whose genre-defying playing sets him apart, and pianist Shota Watanabe, who is active in Japan’s contemporary jazz scene, backed by rapper Kojoe and “Flower Dance” (featured on Shingo Suzuki’s previous album “Flower Dance”). The album is a hip-hop-tinged, hip-hop-inspired work with a strong sense of humor, and is a perfect example of the “jazz” side of the genre.
The album features a hip-hop-like stoic loop of electric piano, a brilliant piano solo and drumming in the second half, and jazz elements, while the timbre and phrasing of the drums evoke alternative and contemporary black music. The piano by Shota Watanabe, reminiscent of Brad Mehldau and Herbie Hancock, and the drums by Masato Mori, which move freely in all directions, are supported by the electric bass by Shingo Suzuki, whose lines are impressive as well. Elements of Meshell Ndegeocello can also be glimpsed.
The lyrical process, inspired by Chet Baker’s “You Don’t Know What Love Is,” evolved during the recording sessions between Shingo Suzuki and Ruri Matsumura. Matsumura’s English vocals contrast sharply with Kojoe’s Japanese rap. The artwork is a representation of the “Liquid” in the project’s name, created by Shingo Suzuki himself.
Comment by Shingo Suzuki
This is a collaboration with Kojoe/Ruri Matsumura that finally came to fruition! A mix of Japanese and English with a sense of tension.
The rap and vocals are humorous and humorous. Aggressive piano by Shota Watanabe and drums by Masato Mamoru.
When the riff of Rose Piano was created in the demo production, I was convinced that it would be a good song.
After a tingling pre-production session and studio recording, the song was finished to give me goosebumps!
Comment by Kojoe
From the first time I heard the demo with Ruri Matsumura’s part
I remember that the beat, melody, and everything else was just too good for me, so I started working on it right away.
Actually, there are two versions (singing version and rapping version),
I can’t wait to see it live.
Comment by Ruri Matsumura
I’m sure you’ll be able to find both versions at the live performance.
Artist name: Shingo Suzuki
Song title: You don’t know (what life is) feat.
（You don’t know (what life is) featuring Kojoe, Ruri Matsumura
Label: origami PRODUCTIONS
Formats : Streaming & Download
■ URL : https://shingosuzuki.lnk.to/YDK
